Ingram to push for inquiry

Independent MP Craig Ingram has weighed into the debate over political donations, calling for a parliamentary inquiry into whether taxpayer funding of elections has reduced reliance on party donations.

Mr Ingram, the state member for Gippsland East, said the community was demanding greater accountability from political parties.

He said he would call for the inquiry when Parliament resumed on Tuesday. "There is a real potential for the current system to be corrupted or used against the interests of democracy," he said.

"I want the money trail fully exposed, including who gives to these secret organisations." He said the inquiry should consider "the origins of money paid to organisations, unions, publicly listed companies and other associated entities that have links to parties or candidates".

His call coincided with a national push from the Greens to end the practice of corporate donations to political parties.